Kayak Eco Tours on Cheesequake Creek
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fee: park entrance fee, plus $15 per person, pre-registration required
Cheesequake State Park
(732) 566-3208
Note: Participants must be 14 years of age and up and in good physical condition. Program includes all equipment and lesson. Explore the salt marsh on a Naturalist guided kayak tour on Cheesequake Creek.

Double Trouble Village Tours & Hikes
Call for arrangements & program fees
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Individual or group historic village tours or hikes of varying mileage may be scheduled most weeks Wednesday through Sunday. Elementary school and secondary school science and social studies field trips or outreach may be arranged. Boy Scout and Girl Scout advancement requirements may be met by visiting Double Trouble State Park.

Walt Whitman in Mickle StreetCall for tour times and to schedule a visit
FREE
Walt Whitman State Historic Site
(856) 964-5383
Note:
When asked why he chose Camden as his home, Whitman replied, “Camden was originally an accident, but I shall never be sorry I was left over in Camden, It has brought me blessed returns." Join us for a tour of Walt Whitman's home in Camden on Mickle Street (today's Mickle/Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). Here we will explore the great writer's last residence, discuss everyday life and share the thoughts of the many visitors who came to see the aging poet in his final years. Admission is free.

Kayak and Canoe Trips on the Delaware
FREE
Worthington State Forest
(908) 841-9575
Note: Please call Forest office for availability, times and dates

Historic Village Tours
10 a.m.
FREE
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Step back in time during this half-mile walk over sandy trails around Double Trouble Village and see inside a century old sawmill and cranberry packing house. Tour starts at the Park Information Building.

Video – Guardians of Barnegat Bay
1 p.m.
Free
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Double Trouble State Park was established in part to protect a sensitive watershed. What can you do to help? Watch this half hour video and become a Guardian of Barnegat Bay. Video plays in the Park Information Building. Limited seating.

Joint Program - “The Court Martial of Charles Lee,” by David Martin and
“The Army Celebrates the 4th of July,” by George Dawson
1:30 p.m. at the Buccleuch Mansion
FREE
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
(732) 462-9616
Note: ADA accessible. Directions to Mansion, Buccleuch Park, New Brunswick (located on Easton Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901).

Independence Day at Princeton Battlefield
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – reading of Declaration of Independence
1 p.m. – talk on Battle of Princeton
FREE
Princeton Battlefield State Park
(609) 921-0074
Note: Limited ADA access. Revolutionary War period soldiers, from Mott’s 6th Company, 2nd Continental Artillery will be on hand to demonstrate drill, artillery, and flintlock muskets. The Clarke House Volunteers will be demonstrating domestic skills that might be found on a farm such as Thomas Clarke’s. Period games will be available for children of all ages to try. The Thomas Clarke House and the Arms of the Revolution exhibit will be open to tour.

15th Annual Independence Day Celebration and Reading
1 to 4 p.m.; Reading of Declaration of Independence takes place at 2:30 p.m.
Fee: Park entrance fee plus $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12; children ages 5 and under are free
Ringwood State Park, Ringwood Manor
Sponsor: North Jersey Highlands Historical Society
(973) 962-2240
Note: ADA accessible; The 4th of July event will feature a traditional dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Manor’s front porch and other reenactments to celebrate the 238th anniversary of American independence.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
2 p.m.
Fee: park entrance fee
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible. Listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by a Musket Firing demonstration.

Colonial Ice Cream Demonstration
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: park entrance fee
Washington Crossing State Park, Johnson Ferry House
(609) 737-2515
Note: Partially ADA accessible. Eighteenth century recipes and techniques of making ice cream; samples will be available. Other activities and an open house will be ongoing.

July 5Reptiles and Amphibians of New Jersey
7:30 to 9 p.m.
FREE: Donations are welcome
Bass River State Forest, Lake Absegami Beach Breezeway
(609) 296-1114
Sponsor: David Burkett of Herpetological Associates
Note: Bring flashlight and something to sit on; ADA accessible; live reptile demonstrations and a discussion of the reptiles

Historic Village Tour
10 a.m.
FREE
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Step back in time during this half-mile walk over sandy trails around Double Trouble Village and see inside a century old sawmill and cranberry packing house. Tour starts at the Park Information Building.

Video – Guardians of Barnegat Bay
1 p.m.
FREE
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Double Trouble State Park was established in part to protect a sensitive watershed. What can you do to help? Watch this half hour video and become a Guardian of Barnegat Bay. Video plays in the Park Information Building. Limited seating.

Life in the Lake
7 to 8:30 p.m.
FREE
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Note: Come borrow a net and discover the many critters that live below the surface of Sawmill Lake. Stop by any time between seven and eight, and stay as long as you like. If it's raining, there will be a nature-themed DVD shown in the Interpretive Center - stop by and get dry!

Observatory Special Events Day
Please refer to website for time
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Uacnj.org
Note: Partially ADA accessible

Wildflower Walk
9 to 10 a.m.
Fee: $5 adults; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For adults; this colorful walk focuses on the identification of common wildflowers, as well as their traditional culinary and medicinal uses. Indoors in the event of inclement weather.

Know the Bear Facts: Black Bears in NJ
1 to 2 p.m.
Fee: $3 adults and children 12 & up, $1 ages 6-11; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For adults and children ages 6 & up; ADA accessible; learn all about New Jersey’s largest mammal during this program highlighting the true nature of black bears, including what you should do if you encounter a black bear, how to ‘bear proof’ your residence, and other tips to minimize conflicts between people and black bears.

Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible

Walt Whitman Civil War Poet
Call for times
Walt Whitman State Historic Site
(856) 964-5383
Note: In commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, tours will focus on Whitman’s reflections of this tumultuous event and his work as a volunteer nurse in the army hospitals. We’ll discuss how the war impacted Whitman’s writing and his thoughts on the future of the nation moving forward past the devastation that was left behind. Admission is free. Call for tour times and to schedule a visit.

Musket Firing Demonstration
2 p.m.
Fee: $1 per person, plus park entrance fee per car from May 25 to September 2
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible. Join a Park Historian for an interpretive program on the weapons of the American Revolution and their use during the Battle of Trenton followed by a musket firing

Kayak Tours
11 a.m. to noon or 2 to 3 p.m.
Fee: $5 per person, Kayaks, paddles, pfd’s provided
Waterloo Lake, Waterloo Village Historic Site
(973) 786-6445
Note: Glide along beautiful Waterloo Lake. Take in the quiet and peaceful scenery. Learn the history of the Musconetcong River and its impact on Waterloo Village along the way. Kayaks will be provided, but you can bring your own Kayak if you prefer. Appropriate footwear (water shoes), a bottle of water, and sunscreen are suggested. Parking at the maintenance lot near back gate. For ages 16 and up.

July 6Who Burned Down the Forest?
Noon to 4 p.m.
Allaire State Park, Historic Allaire Village
Sponsor: Allaire Village Inc.
(732) 919-3500
Note: Partially ADA accessible. Join the 1836 villager on a scavenger hunt as we unravel the clues

Ringwood Manor Historic Grounds and Landscape Tour
2 p.m.
Fee: Park entrance fee
Ringwood State Park, Ringwood Manor
(973) 962-2240
Note: These 2 hour walking tours will take participants around the main property at Ringwood Manor, discussing the historic objects, the planned gardens and landscape features, the out-buildings, and even the cemetery. Historic photos will be shown to the group to give participants an idea of what the site looked like at various times. It is advised that participants wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring bug spray & sun block if necessary. Steady Rain cancels. Tour is not ADA accessible

Hunterdon County Tercentennial - Looking for Traces
10 a.m. to noon
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 ages six to adult; pre-registration recommended
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: Early part of the program is ADA accessible. Optional hike to find evidence of habitation will follow. We won't find evidence of human life going back 300 years but we should find signs of earlier habitation and we'll learn about Round Valley in 1776.

July 7Junior Naturalist Program
8:30 a.m. to noon
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 per day; preregistration required
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566 – 3208
Note: For ages 9 to 12. Explore the natural wonders of Cheesequake through a variety of hands on programs. Programs vary each day and will consist of nature exploration, recreation and education

July 8Junior Naturalist Program
8:30 a.m. to noon
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 per day; preregistration required
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566- 3208
Note: For ages 9 to 12. Explore the natural wonders of Cheesequake through a variety of hands on programs. Programs vary each day and will consist of nature exploration, recreation and education

July 10Cat-Tales Story Hour
11 a.m. to noon
Fee: $5 adults, children under 6 free; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For children ages 4 & 5; ADA accessible; stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program

Family Nature Program
11 a.m. to noon
Fee: Park entrance fee
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Fee: Join us every Friday morning for a family-friendly nature activity suitable for all ages. Make a day of it, by bringing a picnic and spending the afternoon at the beach. Topics and meeting places will be available after June 1st.

July 12Wine Tasting Porch Party and Full Moon Climb
6 to 9 p.m.
Fee: $30 per person (includes snacks and beverages)
Absecon Lighthouse Historic Site
(609) 449-1360 or www.abseconlighthouse.org
Note: Climb the lighthouse at night; museum is ADA accessible, climbing is not

Full Moon Walk
8 to 9:30 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
Bull’s Island Recreation Area
(609) 397-2949
Note: Walk along the Bull’s Island Natural Area and enjoy the views from the Roebling designed pedestrian bridge under the full moon.

Crab Time
1 p.m.
Fee: park entrance fee
Cheesequake State Park, Bathhouse Pavilion
(732) 566- 3208
Note: Learn about the types of species of Crabs that inhabit the park. Discover how to harvest
the Blue Claw Crab for table fare. Participate in Fiddler Crab races

Millrace Walk
10 a.m.
Fee: Adults $6, children 6-12 $3, under 6 free
Double Trouble Village State Historic Site
(732) 341-4098
Note: Water was the lifeblood of two major industries at the company town of Double Trouble. During this 2 mile walk over flat sandy trails around the historic district, we’ll follow tea-colored water from the reservoir on Cedar Creek past a century-old sawmill to three cranberry bogs. Hike starts at the Park Information Building.
Registration and fee required by July 11 at the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest office, 609-726-1191. Payments cannot be accepted at Double Trouble Village.

Sunset/Moonrise Hike
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Fee: $3/Adult and children ages 12 and up. $1/children ages 6 to 12; pre-registration required
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Note: Adults/children age 10 and up. Registration and pre-payment are required by 4 p.m. the day of the hike. Come hike a 1-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail to an observation platform where we'll watch the sun set in the west and the full moon rise in the eastern sky. This hike is moderately strenuous with some steep portions and a rocky, uneven trail surface. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must! We'll return to our cars by moonlight via an easier route.

Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible

The Great Reptiles
1 to 2 p.m.
Fee: $5 adults and children 12 & up, $3 ages 6-11, under 6 free; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: Family Program – All Ages; ADA Accessible; come see why this live animal program has the “WOW” factor: Meet a 100-lb American alligator, watch a 6-ft water monitor lizard sniff the air with her foot-long tongue, or touch the gentle beautiful giant, “Hernia,” a 100-lb Burmese Python. Don’t miss this one!

Northwest Jersey Horse Show Open House
Lusscroft Farm
(973) 875-4800-High Point State Park Office
Sponsor: Heritage and Agriculture Associationwww.Lusscroftfarm.com

Raspberry Ramble
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 ages six to adult; preregistration recommended
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
Note: Wear long pants and bring a sturdy container. The raspberries (or wine berries) are delicious and organic. They are also invasive; so you’ll not only be gathering great food but also reducing competition with native plants

Canal Heritage Day
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FREE
Waterloo Village Historic Site
Sponsor: Canal Society of Newe Jersey
Note: The Canal Society of New Jersey also hosts Canal Heritage Days every second and fourth Saturday of the month, starting in July. On these special days, the doors of select buildings open for the public to tour. A blacksmith will be on site and canal boat rides will be offered.

Musket Firing Demonstration
2 p.m.
Fee: $1 per person, plus park entrance fee per car from May 25 to September 2
Washington Crossing State Park,
Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible. Join a Park Historian for an interpretive program on the weapons of the American Revolution and their use during the Battle of Trenton followed by a musket firing

Walt Whitman Civil War Poet
Call for time
FREE
Walt Whitman State Historic site
(856) 964-5383
Note: In commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, tours will focus on Whitman’s reflections of this tumultuous event and his work as a volunteer nurse in the army hospitals. We’ll discuss how the war impacted Whitman’s writing and his thoughts on the future of the nation moving forward past the devastation that was left behind.

Mid-Summer Festival
Noon to 4 p.m.
Fee: Park entrance fee
Stokes State Forest, Stony Lake
(973) 948-3820
Sponsor: Friends of Stokes
Mpte” Join us as we celebrate Stokes State Forest with a day of Music, Food, Nature and Fun! A great event for the whole family.

Sunday Walk with the Friends of Waterloo
1 p.m.
FREE; donations appreciated; pre-registration required
Waterloo Village Historic Site
Sponsor: Friends of Waterloo Village
(201) 401-3121
Note: An interesting stroll through the Village and a two mile hike on the far side of the Musconetcong River. For adults.

July 14Junior Naturalist Program
8:30 a.m. to noon
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 per day; pre-registration required
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: For ages 9 to 12. Explore the natural wonders of Cheesequake through a variety of hands on programs. Programs vary each day and will consist of nature exploration, recreation and education

July 15Junior Naturalist Program
8:30 a.m. to noon
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 per day; pre-registration required
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: For ages 9 to 12. Explore the natural wonders of Cheesequake through a variety of hands on programs. Programs vary each day and will consist of nature exploration, recreation and education

Family Nature Program
11 a.m. to noon
Fee: Park entrance fee
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Note: Join us every Friday morning for a family-friendly nature activity suitable for all ages. Make a day of it, by bringing a picnic and spending the afternoon at the beach. Topics and meeting places will be available after June 1st. Call 973-875-4800 for more information.

Yoga on the Mountain
6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Fee: $5 Suggested Donation
High Point State Park, Interpretive Center
973-875-4800
Date tentative, call to confirm. Come enjoy the view and the sunset while relaxing your mind and body. No experience necessary, but you’ll want to bring a yoga mat. Registration is recommended – call 973-702-0488.
Sponsor: Friends of High Point State Park

Stream Stomp
1 to 3 p.m.
FREE; pre-registration required
D&R Canal State Park, Prallsville Mill Complex
(609) 397-2949
Note: Get your feet wet in the Wicheocke Creek at the Prallsville Mill Site in Stockton investigating the diverse organisms living under the water. The inhabitants can tell us the story of the streams health. The program is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Concert on the Beach: Performers to be announced
6 to 8 p.m.
FREE; donations appreciated
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Note: Bring family and friends, a blanket or chairs, and a picnic and enjoy listening live music on High Point’s Beach.
Sponsor: Friends of High Point State Park
www.friendshighpointstatepark.blogspot.com

Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible

The Lenape: New Jersey’s Original People
11 a.m. to noon or 2 to 3 p.m.
Fee: $3 per person, $10 per family
Waterloo Village Historic Site
(973) 786-6445
Note: Come to Waterloo for an interesting and informative demonstration all about the Lenape Native Americans. Indoor/Outdoor program, weather appropriate sturdy footwear is suggested.

Walt Whitman Civil War Poet
Call for tour times and to schedule a visit
FREE
Walt Whitman State Historic Site
(856) 964-5383
Note: In commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, tours will focus on Whitman’s reflections of this tumultuous event and his work as a volunteer nurse in the army hospitals. We’ll discuss how the war impacted Whitman’s writing and his thoughts on the future of the nation moving forward past the devastation that was left behind. Admission is free. Call for tour times and to schedule a visit.

Musket Firing Demonstration
2 p.m.
Fee: $1 per person, plus park entrance fee per car from May 25 to September 2
Washington Crossing State Park, Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623Note: ADA accessible. Join a Park Historian for an interpretive program on the weapons of the American Revolution and their use during the Battle of Trenton followed by a musket firing

July 21Junior Naturalist Program
8:30 a.m. to noon
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 per day; pre-registration required
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: For ages 9 to 12. Explore the natural wonders of Cheesequake through a variety of hands on programs. Programs vary each day and will consist of nature exploration, recreation and education.

July 22Junior Naturalist Program
8:30 a.m. to noon
Fee: park entrance fee per car, plus $2 per day; pre-registration required
Cheesequake State Park, Nature Center
(732) 566-3208
Note: For ages 9 to 12. Explore the natural wonders of Cheesequake through a variety of hands on programs. Programs vary each day and will consist of nature exploration, recreation and education.

July 24Cat-Tales Story Hour
11 a.m. to noon
Fee: $5 adults, children under 6 free; pre-registration required
Kittatinny Valley State Park
(973) 786-6445
Note: For children ages 4 & 5; ADA accessible; stories, finger plays, and crafts will develop an awareness and appreciation for nature in children and their care-givers during this indoor program.

Family Nature Program
11 a.m. to noon
Fee: Park entrance free
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Note: Join us every Friday morning for a family-friendly nature activity suitable for all ages. Make a day of it, by bringing a picnic and spending the afternoon at the beach. Topics and meeting places will be available after June 1st. Call 973-875-4800 for more information.

Make a Simple Kite
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; pre-registration required
Fee: $3/adult and children ages 12 and up; $1/children ages 6 to 12
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Note: In order to ensure that enough matierals are available, registration and pre-payment are required by 4 [/,/ Friday, July 25th. High Point is one of the windiest places in New Jersey! Come hear a story about the wind, and make a simple kite that really flies. Stay for the Monument Talk and Scavenger Hunt and try flying your kite while the sun sets.

Sunset Monument Talk and Scavenger Hunt
7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
FREE
High Point State Park
(973) 875-4800
Note: Explore the mountaintop on your own with a family-friendly scavenger hunt while the sun sets, and/or join the park naturalist for an informal talk about the history of the mountain while enjoying the view. Come early, make a kite, and give it a fly at the almost-always-windy highest point in New Jersey!

Observatory Open to the Public
8 to 10:30 p.m.
FREE
Jenny Jump State Forest
(908) 459-4366
Sponsor: The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, Inc.
Note: Partially ADA accessible

Butterfly Program and Walk
2 to 3 p.m.
Fee: Park entrance fee
Stokes State Forest, Stony Lake Pavilion
(973) 948-3820
Note: Learn all about the many types of Butterflies and then go out and see their beautiful colors!
Sponsored by the Friends of Stokes and presented by Wade Wander, from the North American Butterfly Association

Walt Whitman Civil War Poet
Call for times and to schedule a tour
FREE
Walt Whitman State Historic Site
(856) 964-5383
Note: In commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, tours will focus on Whitman’s reflections of this tumultuous event and his work as a volunteer nurse in the army hospitals. We’ll discuss how the war impacted Whitman’s writing and his thoughts on the future of the nation moving forward past the devastation that was left behind.

Musket Firing Demonstration
2 p.m.
Fee: $1 per person, plus park entrance fee per car from May 25 to September 2
Washington Crossing State Park
Visitor Center Museum
(609) 737-0623
Note: ADA accessible. Join a Park Historian for an interpretive program on the weapons of the American Revolution and their use during the Battle of Trenton followed by a musket firing

Trail Hike
1 p.m.
Fee: Park entrance fee
Cheesequake State Park
(732) 566-3208
Note: For ages 9 and up. Take part in a guided hike starting at the Nature Center. Explore the trails as we learn some interesting facts about the Park